abilities

noun

plural of ability
as in capabilities
the physical or mental power to do something as a result of the accident the once-vigorous athlete lost the ability to walk

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of abilities The Pan America is a great touring bike with quite decent off-road abilities – which, just quietly, is what the GS is and has. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026 In recent weeks, some leading AI firms have warned that their models’ coding abilities could foment humanity’s demise. — Shun Graves, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026 The abilities that gain value are traits of the creative class. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2026 Yet after only two days of practice, Reaves has a stronger belief in this team’s defensive abilities. — Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 See my review of the free edition for a full rundown of its abilities. — Neil J. Rubenking, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026 Prosper showed off his high-flying abilities during the match. — Ryan Gaydos Outkick, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2026 Choosing the right kettlebell weight and exercise is important for safe and effective training based on your goals and abilities. — Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2026 Both his father and mother recognized early on the intellectual abilities of their youngest child. — Rebecca McCarthy, AJC.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abilities
  1. capabilities
  2. capacities
  3. skills
  4. talents
  5. faculties
  6. aptitudes
  7. competencies
Noun
  • Toyota plans to provide research access through the University of Michigan Electric Vehicle Center, allowing other research partners to use its battery testing and evaluation capabilities.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
  • China’s leading firms are still just approaching top US labs in capabilities, partly explaining their lack of transparency.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of capabilities
Noun
  • The mathematics may accurately describe how quantum objects manifest through states, transformations and measurements without yet providing a complete account of what gives those objects their identity, capacities and coherence.
    — Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The yacht also comes with large tank capacities, space for spares and equipment, accessible systems, and a large garage, allowing seafarers to spend more time away from the shore.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of capacities
Noun
  • Agent tech stack Other in-demand skills related to the AI build-out involve understanding tools and techniques that give agents the ability to get things done.
    — Hugh Son, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Developed in partnership with Discovery Education, a cross-curricular supplemental resource, the program equips students with practical clothing repair and customization skills, from sewing a button to patching a hole or tailoring a hem.
    — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of skills
Noun
  • The event will bring together more than 1,000 hairstylists, salon professionals, industry leaders and international talents.
    — Advertorial, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Technology helps skilled crew members work with greater precision and confidence, and the benefits of technology will not be fully realized without the talents of these experts.
    — Natalie Lemke, Forbes.com, 29 Sep. 2026
Definition of talents
Noun
  • The prosecution’s argument Prosecutors argued Clancy was in full control of her faculties at the time of the killings and deliberately planned the murders.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Rather than focusing on the mom's faculties, the advisor asked how each family member viewed success across different time horizons.
    — Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of faculties
Noun
  • For this class, the premise is that your purpose in life lies to the intersection of your values, your aptitudes and your interests.
    — Dana Taylor, USA Today, 6 May 2026
  • This model reflects Japan’s long-standing corporate culture, which prioritizes new hires for their general potential—their aptitudes and aspirations, as opposed to their current skill sets or university majors—and then trains them on the job.
    — GRACIA LIU-FARRER, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2025
Definition of aptitudes
Noun
  • Building curriculum in partnership with employers that blends technical training with the workplace habits and human competencies that define on-the-job success is part of what makes these pathways work.
    — Philip Weinberg, Forbes.com, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Gemma and Richard are composites drawn from our several decades of advising organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to smaller nonprofits on designing interview processes that assess leadership and interpersonal competencies.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of competencies

Browse Nearby Words

abigails
abilities
ability
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Cite this Entry

“Abilities.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abilities. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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